HLPF 2025 Puts Gender Equality at the Center of Global SDG Push

July 11, 2025

11:32 am

Key Impact Points

HLPF 2025 will focus on SDG 5 (gender equality) as a turning point for the 2030 Agenda, urging urgent, collective action
The forum highlights the Beijing+30 Action Agenda as a roadmap for inclusive, feminist leadership and systemic reform
UN Women will host high-level events showcasing proven solutions—from gender-responsive VNRs to inclusive economic models

Gender Equality Key to Achieving 2030 Agenda

With only five years left to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, UN Women is calling for urgent and collective global action on gender equality. At the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, held from 14 to 23 July 2025 in New York, SDG 5—gender equality—will be a central focus.

“Achieving the 2030 Agenda hinges on realizing gender equality. UN Women calls on Member States, partners and stakeholders at all levels to act collectively and with urgency.”

UN Women will use the forum to lead critical dialogues and promote the leadership, rights, and voices of women and girls as drivers of sustainable change.

Beijing+30: A Blueprint for Bold Action

HLPF 2025 places the Beijing+30 Action Agenda in the spotlight, offering a clear and actionable roadmap to accelerate gender equality. The agenda emphasizes reforms in care systems, climate justice, digital inclusion, political participation, and gender-responsive institutions. On 24 July, a multistakeholder hearing will bring together the UN Secretary-General, President of the General Assembly, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, and others to highlight feminist leadership and inclusive action.

Key Events at HLPF 2025

15 July | Gender Equality Training and Practice Series

A virtual training session from 8:00–9:30 a.m. EDT will equip governments, civil society, and development practitioners with practical tools for gender-responsive policy implementation.

15 July | SDG 5 and Interlinkages with Other SDGs

From 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EDT, Executive Director Sima Bahous will join global leaders to explore how empowering women and girls can accelerate the 2030 Agenda.

17 July | Strengthening Alliances for SDG Implementation

Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda will highlight how civil society, youth, and government partnerships can drive sustainable development from 3:00–4:30 p.m. EDT.

22 July | Empowered Women, Inclusive Economies

Co-hosted with Finland, ILO, Brazil, and Ethiopia from 1:15–2:30 p.m. EDT, this session will present inclusive economic models and care systems that unlock women’s potential.

23 July | Gender-Responsive VNRs: Lessons from a Decade of Practice

This VNR Lab (2:00–3:00 p.m. EDT) will share tools and insights on embedding gender equality in national reviews, backed by a decade of country experience.

24 July | Multistakeholder Hearing on Beijing+30

One of UN Women’s key engagements at HLPF, this hearing will convene leaders from governments, UN agencies, civil society, youth, philanthropy, and the private sector to renew momentum for the Beijing+30 Action Agenda ahead of the September high-level meeting.

A Defining Moment for Women and Girls

HLPF 2025 is more than a midterm checkpoint—it is a global call to re-commit, scale what works, and invest in a future where every woman and girl can thrive. UN Women is urging the international community to act decisively and collectively to ensure no one is left behind.